In the world of custom couture, fabric selection is everything; but it’s only one part of a meticulous process that transforms a vision into reality. Ari Ladino and his mother, Chava, have mastered this craft, sourcing the finest materials to create bespoke gowns and dresses that reflect each client’s unique style.
Beautiful fabrics can be found locally, but it’s often a hit-or-miss situation. That’s why I always tell the Ladinos, “Go straight to the source — 38th Street, Fashion Avenue. Let’s not waste any time.” While they sometimes enjoy sourcing fabric at more local locations, experience has shown that it’s better to go straight to the source, even though it’s more expensive.
Their business is more than just custom clothing; it’s a full-service experience. Whether clients join them on fabric hunting excursions or leave the selection in their hands, every detail is carefully curated.
A Double Challenge in the Orthodox Frum Community
For weddings, bridal parties, and elegant events, finding the right gown presents a double challenge in the Orthodox frum community:
- Matching the color palette: Bridesmaids, in particular, must coordinate with the wedding theme, limiting available options.
- Modesty requirements: Standard department store gowns often don’t align with the modesty standards many clients need.
As the Ladinos explain to their clients, “It’s already hard enough to find the right color. Add modesty requirements and it becomes nearly impossible to find something off the rack.” Many clients come to them exhausted after searching through department stores.
“We wish you would’ve come to us first,” they tell them. “You would’ve saved yourself a lot of time and money.” The sooner a gown is commissioned, the smoother — and more affordable — the process becomes.
“If a client comes to us three or four months before the wedding, great. Two months? That’s fine. But if it’s two weeks or one week before the wedding? Well, you might just see the price double or triple,” Ari explained.
In the fashion industry, this is called a rush order, and Ladino Couture has handled many last-minute requests. “We’ve had clients walk through our doors one week before the wedding. If we can make it happen, we will — but it comes at a cost,” Chava added.
At their studio in Teaneck, located at 203 W. Englewood Ave., across from Restaurant Row — now being called a mini “Fashion Row” with Emporio and Kool Kippas next door — clients arrive at all stages of preparation. “Of course, we always recommend coming in early so we can finish your dress in advance. That way, you can relax and focus on the most important thing — enjoying the wedding stress-free.”
Reinventing the Past: The Art Of High-Level Alterations
Not all projects start from scratch. Many clients bring beloved dresses from years past — dresses with sentimental value that no longer fit or require modesty adjustments. Ari and Chava specialize in intricate, high-level alterations, a painstaking process that often involves taking the dress apart stitch by stitch before rebuilding it.
“We tell our clients that this type of alteration is equivalent to making two dresses,” Chava explained. “It’s a labor-intensive process, but we understand the emotional connection. If a dress is truly meaningful, it’s worth preserving.”
While starting fresh is often easier and more cost-effective, many clients insist on reviving their cherished pieces. The results? Stunning transformations that honor the past while fitting seamlessly into the present.
The Consultation Process: Bringing Visions to Life
Some clients know exactly what they want, down to the finest details. Ari loves working with these individuals, saying, “I love it when clients have a clear vision — it makes my job a lot easier.”
But for those who are unsure, the consultation phase is key. Through a series of thoughtful questions and discussions, Ari and Chava help clients discover their style, pulling inspiration from their preferences and personality.
Appointments take place at the Ladino Couture studio in Teaneck, where clients receive personalized consultations and precise measurements. Additionally, for added convenience, Ladino Couture offers in-home and office consultations, traveling to clients when necessary.
The Fabric Hunt: Manhattan’s Fashion District
While fabrics can be sourced in many places, efficiency and quality make Manhattan’s Fashion District the ideal destination. Clients who prefer to be hands-on often join Ari and Chava on fabric shopping trips, hopping out of a spacious Toyota Sienna right in front of the stores.
For those who can’t make the trip, detailed photos and videos of fabric options are sent for approval. “Clients need to make decisions quickly,” Chava explained, “but we make sure they have everything they need to feel confident in their choice.”
From Fabric to Finished Gown
Once the fabric is selected, the real work begins. The Ladino couture team, commissioned like artists, meticulously crafts each gown, ensuring a perfect fit and flawless finish.
Though custom couture typically follows a timeline, last-minute requests do happen. “If we can maneuver it, we do,” said Ari. “Our goal is always to get the dress to our clients as early as possible — because the last thing we want is added stress before a big event.”
Transforming a Dress, Transforming an Experience
Custom couture is about more than fashion: it’s about creating an enjoyable, stress-free experience. Whether it’s for a wedding, bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah or special occasion, Ari and Chava ensure that the journey is as special as the final garment.
The True Cost of Custom Couture
Many people assume that fabric alone dictates the price of a gown, but it’s the entire process — fabric, sewing and design — that truly determines the cost. The more intricate the gown, the more labor-intensive and costly it becomes.
One memorable client, a Hungarian grandmother, wanted her dress to reflect classic European elegance. She made a specific request: “I want the top ornate, but the bottom should be simple — no extra embellishments.” Understanding that too much decoration can add weight, she opted for a beautifully adorned bodice with a sleek, unembellished skirt, achieving a perfect balance of luxury and comfort.
Ladino Couture: A Brand Of Excellence
At Ladino Couture, every creation is a masterpiece. Once the fabric is in hand, the Ladinos begin the design process, working their magic with sewing machines to bring dreams to life. Their work has received accolades from New York Fashion Week and even the Met Gala, a testament to their skill and dedication.
As their reputation continues to grow, Teaneck’s West Englewood Avenue is becoming a hub for high-end custom fashion, alongside the well-known dining scene. With an unwavering commitment to quality, craftsmanship and service, Ari and Chava are setting a new standard in couture.
And it all begins at 203 W. Englewood Ave. in Teaneck — where fashion meets artistry. For consultations and appointments, contact Ladino Couture at (201) 357-4094.
